THE search is on for a a new management team to run Rawtenstall Market.

The move follows current boss Jane Boys relinquishing the post after 13 months which has seen stall occupancy rise from 50 per cent to full.

Now Rossendale Council is inviting tenders for the management and operation of the market.

Ms Boys, who retired after 30 years in NHS nursing management and had founded an artisan Clog Market in Rawtenstall Town Square took over in May last year.

With the help of a team including Mrs Jacs Barker-Rourke, she transformed both the indoor and outdoor markets by removing some stalls to open up both areas and remove dark corridors.

Her year-long tenure would have been up in May, however the lockdown meant the tender for a replacement had to be put on hold.

Jane said: “I feel it's a superb opportunity for someone to join the market and continue the development much further.

“The market requires a longer term business plan and I'll do all I can to support the new team."

Rossendale Council leader Cllr Alyson Barnes said: “The transformation that Jane Boys and her team have made to Rawtenstall Market has been evident for all to see.

“We are grateful to Jane and the team for staying on while the council seeks a new operational manager to take over the tender for the market."

At the 2019 Rossendale Business Awards, Jane and the market traders won the Valley at Work Award for the most inspirational business.